How do I know if my roof is appropriate for a solar system?
A solar power system can be installed on just about any roof type. It’s your roof orientation that is important since the solar panels are usually installed parallel to your roof surface. South facing roofs offer the most annual production. However, west facing roofs produce more power during peak times when power can be worth more money.
Will my roof be able to support the weight of the solar array?
In most cases yes. Solar panels and mounting equipment add very little load to your roof. However, sometimes there are older homes that may require more support.
Is installing a solar system really cost effective?
Yes. West Coast Solar can design a system for you that will supply enough electricity to run your entire household.
How long will it take before I start seeing my savings?
If you finance your system you can start seeing savings within the first year. In many cases you pay less for your loan over time than you currently pay your utility company.
Will I no longer have a utility bill?
It all depends on the amount of space you have on your roof, you can install a PV system that will produce as much electricity as you use, leaving you with a minimum bill. Also taking in consideration sun collection.
Does a solar system add value to my home?
Yes. A solar electric system increases home value by $20,000 for each $1,000 in annual reduced operating costs, according to the Appraisal Institute. A solar electric system compares very favorably with other home improvements in percentage of cost recovered. Often, a solar system can recover much more than 100% of it’s cost and this percentage actually increases over time as electric rates rise.
What about my property taxes, will they increase?
The property tax incentive for the installation of an active solar energy system is in the form of a new construction exclusion. It is not an exemption. Therefore, the installation of a qualifying solar energy system will not result in either an increase or decrease in the assessment of the existing property. An active solar system may be used for any of the following: Domestic, recreational, therapeutic or service water heating, Space Conditioning, Production of Electricity, Process Heat or Solar Mechanical Energy.
Such a system does not include solar swimming pool heaters, hot tub heaters, passive energy systems, or wind energy systems.
If I have a black out will I still be able to have power with my solar system?
Not unless you have incorporated some type of batteries that store your power. A generator can be integrated to work with solar to power your house for a certain number of hours in case of a black out.
Will my system still produce electricity on cloudy days or at night?
Your solar electric system needs direct or diffused sunlight to produce electricity. So during such times when there is very little or no sunlight you will pull electricity from your grid. During sunny days you will be producing more electricity than you are using which will allow you to build up credits with your utility company to draw off of during such low sun days.
What maintenance is required?
Solar Electric (PV) systems typically do not require maintenance, other than periodic cleaning of the solar panels. PV panel life is typically 25+ years. If you have a battery system, the batteries may require periodic maintenance such as "equalization" or water topping off.
What is Net-Metering & how does it work?
Net Metering allows your electric meter to go backwards when you are producing more electricity than you are using. Essentially, it indicates how much electricity you pulled from the grid rather than the amount of electricity that you used. Met Metering is a special metering and billing agreement between you and your utility or electric service provider (ESP). Normally your electric meter spins forward as it measures how many kilowatt-hours of electricity you buy, and is read by your utility provider once a month. A Net Metering agreement allows you to use the electricity you generate first, reducing what you would normally buy from your utility or ESP. If you generate more electricity that you use, the excess goes through your electric meter and into the grid, spinning your meter backward. Your meter shows the net amount, measured as the difference between the electricity you generate and the electricity you purchase from your utility or ESP.
For Net-Metering, can I use my current electric meter?
Most homes have simple meters that are bi-directional, capable of turning in both directions. However, if you enter into a time-of-use billing agreement your utility company will provide you with the proper meter.
